Mount Cotton is a leafy bushland suburb in the Redlands, about 40 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD, with a national park, a big network of mountain bike and walking trails, a summit lookout and a winery. It suits a day of walking or riding, a picnic by Tingalpa Creek or a long lunch at Sirromet.
The mountain that gives the suburb its name rises to 233 metres in the middle of the area, and most of the good outdoor spots sit on either side of it. Here is how to pick between them.
Venman Bushland National Park
Venman Bushland National Park, on West Mount Cotton Road, is the easiest bush walk in Mount Cotton. It is eucalypt forest along Tingalpa Creek, home to koalas, possums, gliders and wallabies, with wildflowers in spring and the powerful owl among the birds you may hear.
Entry is free. There is a picnic area, a public toilet and wood-fired barbecues, and two walking tracks lead down to the creek.
The park is named after Jack Venman, who bought a logging property here in 1954 to run cattle and sold it to the local council in 1971 for $1 so it would stay bushland. Today the park covers about 415 hectares and joins a conservation area with Daisy Hill Forest and Corbould Reserve.
Rules at Venman
Queensland Parks lists domestic animals as not permitted, so leave the dog at home. Mountain bikes and horses are also not allowed on the park’s walking tracks. If you want to ride, head to the Eastern Escarpment trails below, or see Daisy Hill Koala Centre on the other side of the conservation area.
Mount Cotton mountain biking and walking trails
The Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area is Redland City Council’s reserve of about 186 hectares, mostly open eucalypt forest, with about 29 km of trails for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. There are black diamond mountain bike trails with obstacles for experienced riders, and adaptive mountain bike trails for riders with physical, intellectual, neurological or sensory limitations, accessible at Gates 2 and 5.
The main trailhead, Gate 2, is on West Mount Cotton Road about 950 metres from the Mount Cotton Road intersection, opposite Schoeck Road. It has a trail map, shelter, toilets, drinking water and a bike repair station. Gate 3 has a car park with 23 spaces.
The reserve is open daily from 4 am to 10 pm. Use the trails in dry weather only: council may close the reserve when it is wet to protect the tracks, so obey the signs and stay on the mapped trails because the land around the reserve is private.
Council has realigned part of the Summit Track and the Metamorphic Trail because an old access agreement over private land ended, so use the current trail map at the gate rather than an old one.
Mount Cotton lookout
The Mount Cotton lookout is a summit viewing deck in the Eastern Escarpment reserve with 180 degree views over South East Queensland. You get there on foot or by bike along the reserve trails, so check the trail map at the gate for the best route up.
The climb is uphill, so take water and wear closed shoes. For another view point in the south of Brisbane, see Mount Gravatt Lookout, which you can drive to, or browse more lookouts.
Is Mount Cotton dog friendly?
Not at Venman Bushland National Park or Sirromet Winery, which both say no domestic animals. Council’s page for the Eastern Escarpment trails does not mention dogs, so ring Redland City Council on (07) 3829 8999 before you bring one. The community park on Valley Way has a dog off-leash area.
Sirromet Winery
Sirromet Winery, at 850 Mount Cotton Road, is the best known place to eat and drink in the suburb. The cellar door is open seven days, 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 5.30 pm on weekends, with tastings daily until 4 pm on weekdays and 4.30 pm on weekends. The cafe is open 8 am to 3 pm.
It also has the Tuscan Terrace restaurant, a lawn bar and a concert programme. Strictly no domestic animals are permitted. Prices and bookings are on the Sirromet website, and Sirromet hosts a parkrun on Sundays.
Mount Cotton Community Park
Mount Cotton Community Park is the family stop, on the corner of Valley Way and Bohemia Court. It has a playground, a skate park, a basketball half-court, barbecues, a dog off-leash area and wheelchair accessible toilets, with a car park off Bohemia Court. The playground is not fenced, so keep an eye on little ones.
Planning your visit
- How long: a half day for one walk or ride; a full day if you add Sirromet or the park.
- Best time: spring for wildflowers at Venman; dry days for the mountain bike trails.
- Cost: Venman, the trails and the community park are free. Winery tastings and meals cost extra.
- What to bring: water, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. Mozzies and midges can be a problem near the creek.
- Accessibility: Venman’s listing says disabled access is available, so contact the operator for details. Gate 2 of the Eastern Escarpment reserve has disabled access and accessible toilets are in the community park.
Getting there and parking
Mount Cotton is about 35 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 40 minutes by car. The trailheads for Venman and the Eastern Escarpment are both on West Mount Cotton Road, and Sirromet is on Mount Cotton Road.
Parking at the Eastern Escarpment is limited: Gate 2 has two formal spaces plus informal parking, Gate 3 has 23 spaces, Gate 5 has informal parking for 4 to 5 cars and Gate 8 has 4 to 5 formal spaces. Check the council trail page for the full gate list. Plan any public transport trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
Nearby
- Victoria Point – the nearest bayside suburb for a swim or a bay walk after the bush.
- Raby Bay – canals and a waterfront stroll on the Redlands coast.
- Wellington Point Recreation Reserve – beach and playgrounds.
- Daisy Hill Koala Centre – free koala viewing next door in Logan.
- North Stradbroke Island – a ferry trip from the Redlands for a bigger day away.
Browse more nature walks, wineries and things to do in the Redlands. Details can change, so check council and operator websites before you go.
Quick answers
What is there to do at Mount Cotton?
Walk in Venman Bushland National Park, ride or walk the Eastern Escarpment trails, visit the summit lookout, have lunch at Sirromet Winery or take the kids to the community park.
Is there a lookout at Mount Cotton?
Yes. A summit viewing deck in the Eastern Escarpment Conservation Area has 180 degree views over South East Queensland.
Can you mountain bike at Mount Cotton?
Yes, on the Eastern Escarpment trails, which have about 29 km of trails including black diamond and adaptive routes. Bikes are not allowed on Venman’s walking tracks.
Is Venman Bushland National Park free?
Yes. Entry is free, with a picnic area, toilet and barbecues.
How far is Mount Cotton from Brisbane?
About 35 km, or about 40 minutes by car from the CBD.
Can you take dogs to Mount Cotton?
Not to Venman or Sirromet. The community park has an off-leash area, and you should ask council about the Eastern Escarpment trails.
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